Product Stories

Up until as recently as late 2007 it seemed that it would be impossible to make Smartlink available for anything less than one inch pitch chain. The breakthrough has been possible thanks, in large part, to advances in the miniaturization of components, and means that Smartlink is now available for use on a much wider range of applications.

Renold says Smartlink is the only device in the world that can be fitted to chain on real applications and record dynamic data such as peak and shock loads. The units are remotely controlled by means of a hand-held device and the data collected can be downloaded onto a PC for analysis with software developed by Renold. 

The results enable engineers to understand the loads applied to the chain throughout the whole system. It can point, quite specifically, to problem areas in the system, such as misaligned sprockets and can be used to determine more precisely the ideal size of chain that should be used.

The new Smartlink devices, which use patented technology, are supplied already fitted to a section of chain; users simply install the new chain link and Smartlink is ready to go. Users can choose between two remote controllers. The first is about the size of a key fob and provides a warning if an overload has occurred. A more sophisticated hand-held controller is also available that is capable of downloading much more detailed information from Smartlink about the nature of the stresses and loading the chain was subjected to.